METER AND SOCKET FOR USE IN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE DEVICES - Patent application

Abstract

The electric meter socket includes a first connection path within the electric meter socket for forming a first electrical connection between a distributed energy resource (DER) meter and line voltage wiring from an electric distribution system. The electric meter socket further includes a second connection path within the electric meter socket for forming a second electrical connection between the DER meter and neutral wiring of the electric distribution system, the DER device, and a load. The electric meter socket further includes a third connection path within the electric meter socket for forming a third electrical connection between the DER meter and output voltage wiring of the DER device. The electric meter socket further includes a DER connector disposed on a side of the electric meter socket, receiving output voltage wiring of the DER device, and electrically coupling the output voltage wiring to the third connection path.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electric meters and sockets, and more particularly to electric meters and sockets for use with distributed energy resource devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Distributed energy resource (DER) devices, e.g., solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, etc., are typically wired to the grid by connecting to a circuit breaker in an electrical panel on the customer's premises. If metering of the DER devices is required, a separate meter is typically mounted on the customer's wall for this purpose. One or more disconnect switches are also typically mounted on the customer's wall.

[0003] The use of DER devices by energy consumers, including residential consumers, is increasing. Currently, when a consumer wants to connect a DER device on their premises, the utility and the electrician installing the DER device must coordinate and be on the premises at the same time. The utility disconnects the power at the meter socket. After disconnecting the power, the electrician connects the DER device "behind the meter." Depending on the installation location, a separate meter may be required for the DER device. After the DER device is installed, the utility reconnects the power to the meter socket. Systems and techniques are desired to connect DER devices to existing electric service without coordination between the utility and the electrician. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system for interfacing distributed energy resource devices with distributed energy resource meters is provided.

[0005] According to various aspects of the disclosure, an electric meter socket includes at least one first connection path within the electric meter socket forming a first electrical connection between a distributed energy resource (DER) meter and line voltage wiring from an electric distribution system. The electric meter socket further includes at least one second connection path within the electric meter socket forming a second electrical connection between the DER meter and neutral wiring of the electric distribution system, the DER device, and a load. Additionally, the electric meter socket includes at least one third connection path within the electric meter socket forming a third electrical connection between the DER meter and output voltage wiring of the DER device. Additionally, the electric meter socket includes a DER connector disposed on a side of the electric meter socket. The DER connector receives the output voltage wiring of the DER device and electrically couples the output voltage wiring to the at least one third connection path.

[0006] In another embodiment, a system includes an electric meter and an electric meter socket mating with the electric meter. The electric meter socket includes at least one first connection path within the electric meter socket forming a first electrical connection between the electric meter and line voltage wiring of the electric distribution system. The electric meter socket also includes at least one second connection path within the electric meter socket forming a second electrical connection between the electric meter and neutral wiring of the electric distribution system, a distributed energy resource (DER) device, and a load. The electric meter socket further includes at least one third connection path within the electric meter socket forming a third electrical connection between the electric meter and output voltage wiring of the DER device. The electric meter socket further includes a DER connector disposed on a side of the electric meter socket. The DER connector receives the output voltage wiring of the DER device and electrically couples the output voltage wiring to the at least one third connection path. The system also includes a controllable electrical disconnect switch that connects and disconnects the DER device from the electric distribution system based on the power production or consumption requirements of the electric distribution system and the DER device.

[0007] In another example, a system for connecting and metering a distributed energy resource (DER) device includes an electric meter. The electric meter includes at least one controllable electrical disconnect switch that connects and disconnects the DER device from the electric distribution system based on the power production or consumption requirements of the electric distribution system and the DER device. The system further includes an electric meter socket electrically coupling to the electric meter. The electric meter socket includes at least one first connection path in the electric meter socket that forms a first electrical connection between the electric meter and line voltage wiring of the electric distribution system. Also, the electric meter socket includes at least one second connection path in the electric meter socket that forms a second electrical connection between the electric meter and neutral wiring of the electric distribution system, the DER device, and a load. Furthermore, the electric meter socket includes at least one third connection path in the electric meter socket that forms a third electrical connection between the electric meter and output voltage wiring of the DER device. Furthermore, the electric meter socket includes at least one fourth connection path in the electric meter socket that forms a fourth electrical connection between the electric meter and the load.

[0008] These exemplary aspects and features are mentioned not to limit or define the presently described subject matter, but to provide examples to aid in understanding the concepts described herein. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the presently described subject matter will become apparent after consideration of the entire application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Aspects and features of various embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection between a distributed energy resource (DER) meter and a meter socket according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example of a 15-terminal meter socket according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 is a perspective view of terminals of the 15-terminal meter socket of FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a possible alternative configuration for the neutral terminal of the meter socket of FIG. 2 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a possible alternative configuration for the neutral terminal of the meter socket of FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a possible alternative configuration for the neutral terminal of the meter socket of FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of the meter socket of FIG. 2 including an optional DER connector according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a standard 2S meter including four blades that may be installed in the meter socket of FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a DER meter installed in the meter socket of FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of a side view of the DER meter of FIG. 9 according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of a perspective view of the DER meter of FIG. 9 according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example side view of an additional DER meter according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of a perspective view of the DER meter of FIG. 12 according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection between a DER meter and a meter socket according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram including communication channels between a DER meter and a DER device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection between a DER meter and a meter socket according to various aspects of the disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram of a blade of a multiport meter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an additional view of a blade of a multiport meter according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Although specific examples are described herein, these examples are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The devices and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the exemplary methods and systems described herein can be made without departing from the scope of protection.

[0012] A system is provided for connecting distributed energy resource (DER) devices with a metering device. Currently, there is no standard system for connecting DER devices to the grid. Existing systems often rely on coordination between the electric utility company that owns the utility metering device and the electrical contractor that installs the DER device. For example, the electric utility company may be required to remove the utility metering device while the electrical contractor is on the premises to install the DER device. After the DER device is installed, the electric utility company must reinstall the utility metering device.

[0013] Described herein are DER-enabled meter sockets that provide a mechanism for a utility to connect a DER device to a DER-enabled meter socket at a customer premises without disconnecting a utility metering device. For purposes of this disclosure, a DER device is defined as any resource on the distribution system (i.e., the grid) that produces or stores electricity that can be provided to the distribution system, or any large load device that can be controlled to manage the overall peak load of the distribution system. For example, a DER device may be a residential solar power installation or a residential wind turbine installation, with or without local battery storage.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram 100 illustrating an electrical connection between a distributed energy resource (DER) meter 102 and a meter socket 104 according to various aspects of the disclosure. The DER meter 102 and meter socket 104 are located at a customer premises (e.g., a residential building, a commercial building, etc.). The DER meter 102 measures and controls electricity provided to the customer premises via an electrical distribution system (i.e., grid 108) and electricity generated or otherwise stored at the customer premises via DER devices (i.e., DER devices 116). Thus, the DER meter 102 includes sufficient connection points to receive electricity provided from the grid 108, receive electricity provided from the DER devices 116, and provide electricity to an electric service 110.

[0015] The DER meter 102 may be combined with a communications module to allow the DER meter 102 to communicate with other meters and the power company. As shown in FIG. 1, power from the grid 108 (i.e., the power distribution system) is provided to the meter socket 104 via electrical wires L1 (line) and L2 (line). The electrical wires L1 (line) and L2 (line) may provide two phases of power for the grid 108. A neutral wire N, sometimes referred to as ground, is connected between the grid 108, the electrical service 110, and the DER device 116, for example, at an electrical service panel at a residential or commercial customer premises.

[0016] The electrical service or load 110 is also connected to the meter socket 104 via corresponding electrical wiring L1 (load) and L2 (load). The meter socket 104 may be a standard socket, such as a 16S meter socket, that includes an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection to a conventional meter when the conventional meter is plugged into the meter socket 104. An electrical connection between the grid 108 and the electrical service 110 is made through the DER meter 102 when the DER meter 102 is plugged into the meter socket 104. Within the DER meter 102, the voltage and current supplied from the grid 108 to the electrical service 110 are measured, or metered, by measurement devices. The measurement devices may be, for example, a voltage transducer 112 and a current transducer 114 that measure electrical characteristics of the voltage and current waveforms, respectively. The power supplied to the electrical service 110 may be calculated based on the voltage and current measurements.

[0017] Outgoing wiring from the DER device 116 may also be connected at a connection point within the meter socket 104. A neutral wiring N connection 118 may be formed at a connection point within the meter socket 104 to connect neutral wiring from the grid 108, the DER device 116, the electric service 110, and the DER meter 102. In one or more examples, the connection point of the DER device 116 may be located on a side 120 of the meter socket 104. For example, the side 120 of the meter socket 104 may be any side of the meter socket 104 that does not interface with the DER meter 102 (e.g., a side that is exposed while the meter socket 104 is coupled to the DER meter 102). Locating the connection point on the side 120 may provide an easily accessible location for the DER device 116 to connect with the meter socket 104.

[0018] A connection point in the meter socket 104 may provide an electrical connection between the meter socket 104 and the DER meter 102. For example, a connection point of lines L1(line) and L2(line) at the meter socket 104 from the grid 108 may electrically connect the lines L1(line) and L2(line) from the grid 108 to the DER meter 102. Similarly, lines L1 and L2 from the DER device 116 and lines L1(load) and L2(load) to the electric service 110 may be electrically connected to the DER meter 102 through a connection point in the meter socket 104. Similar to lines L1(line) and L2(line) from the grid 108, the lines L1 and L2 from the DER device 116 may provide voltages with different electrical phases. Additionally, the connection point of the neutral wire N may also have an electrical connection at a corresponding receptacle of the meter socket 104.

[0019] Connection points (e.g., receptacles) included in the meter socket 104 can accommodate insertion of connection components (e.g., blade connectors) on the DER meter 102 to form electrical connections between the meter socket 104 and the DER meter 102. Other electrical couplings are also contemplated between the meter socket 104, the DER device 116, and the DER meter 102. When connection components of the DER meter 102 are inserted into receptacles in the meter socket 104, electrical connections may be made between the DER meter 102 and lines L1 (line) and L2 (line) from the grid 108, between the DER meter 102 and lines L1 and L2 from the DER device 116, and between the DER meter 102 and lines L1 (load) and L2 (load) to the electric service 110. It is noted that the connection points and connection components (e.g., receptacles and blade connectors) may be generally referred to as mating connectors.

[0020] When the connection components of the DER meter 102 are inserted into the receptacles of the meter socket 104 and the connection components of the DER device 116, grid 108, and electric service 110 are inserted into the receptacles of the meter socket 104, an electrical connection may be made between the neutral wiring N and the DER meter 102. The electrical connection between the neutral wiring N and the DER meter 102 may provide an electrical reference point to enable L1 (line) → neutral and L2 (line) → neutral voltage measurements with the voltage transducer 112 in the DER meter 102. The ability to perform these voltage measurements with the DER meter 102 may enable more advanced and higher fidelity metering than is possible with standard 2S meter configurations, for example, that only have L1 (line) and L2 (line) connections available (i.e., no neutral N connection) and therefore can only measure line-to-line voltages (i.e., L1 (line) to L2 (line)). DER meter 102 can also perform current measurements on the L1 (line) and L2 (line) lines from grid 108 using current transducer 114a, to DER device 116 using current transducer 114b, and to electric service 110 using current transducers 114c and 114d. The ability to perform current measurements in DER meter 102 as well as L1 (line) → neutral and L2 (line) → neutral voltage measurements may enable the implementation of various applications, such as load breakdown algorithms.

[0021] The lines L1 (line) and L2 (line) from the grid 108 may provide a line voltage with different electrical phases. The different electrical phases may be generated by a local distribution transformer (e.g., a pole-mounted transformer located near the meter) or may be different electrical phases generated at a substation. Similarly, the lines L1 and L2 from the DER device 116 may provide a line voltage with different electrical phases. The electrical phases of the line voltages on the lines L1 and L2 provided from the DER device 116 may be synchronized with the electrical phases of the line voltages on the lines L1 (line) and L2 (line) provided from the grid 108. An embodiment of a meter socket and meter according to the present disclosure may include more or fewer connection points or receptacles corresponding to different phases of the line voltage. For example, if only one phase of the line voltage is connected (e.g., phase A), fewer connection points and receptacles may be included in the meter socket because connection points for additional phases (e.g., phase B and phase C) are not needed. Similarly, where three line voltage phases are connected (e.g., phases A, B, C), additional connection points and receptacles may be included at the meter socket.

[0022] In one embodiment, a disconnect switch 122 is included in the DER meter 102. In such an example, the disconnect switch 122 may remain open when the voltage transducers 112a and 112b do not detect a voltage from the grid 108. Additionally, the disconnect switch may be used as a mechanism to synchronize the voltage phase from the DER device 116 with the grid 108. For example, the voltage transducers 112c and 112d may measure the voltage supplied by the DER device 116, and the voltage transducers 112a and 112b may measure the voltage supplied by the grid 108 while the disconnect switch 122 is open. When synchronization between the DER device 116 and the grid 108 is reached during a synchronized operation, the disconnect switch 122 may close. Additionally, the disconnect switch 122 may isolate the DER meter 102 from the L1 (line) and L2 (line) connections to the grid 108. The ability to disconnect the DER meter 102 from the grid 108 may enable “islanding,” where the DER meter 102 is disconnected from the grid 108 and powers the electric service 110 only from the DER device 116 .

[0023] The DER meter 102 may also include an integrated controllable electrical disconnect switch 124, a circuit breaker 126, or both, that disconnects or protects the DER device 116. For example, a single device may perform the functions of both a circuit breaker and a separate electrical disconnect device to disconnect lines L1 and L2 of the DER device 116 from the DER meter 102. In one example, the circuit breaker 126 may disconnect the DER device 116 from the DER meter 102 upon the occurrence of an electrical fault. The circuit breaker 126 may be integrated into the DER meter 102. Additionally, the circuit breaker 126 may be controlled locally or remotely.

[0024] The controllable electrical disconnect switch 124 may be controlled by a processor (not shown) and a communication module (not shown) of the DER meter 102. The controllable electrical disconnect switch 124 may automatically operate to disconnect the DER device 116 from the grid 108, for example, when a high load is detected at the voltage transducers 112e and 112f or when the electric service or load 110 is disconnected from the meter. In some examples, the controllable electrical disconnect switch 124 may automatically operate to disconnect the DER device 116 from the grid 108 based on a command received from the DER meter 102 or another device. The controllable electrical disconnect switch 124 may connect or disconnect the DER device 116 to the DER meter 102. In connecting the DER device 116 to the DER meter 102, the DER meter 102 may measure the generation or consumption of the DER device 116 as a value separate from the energy consumed or sent back from the distribution system (i.e., the grid 108), thereby providing billable data. Billable data (i.e., consumption from the grid 108 or production sent back to the grid 108) may be metered in the power meter using “net metering” or similar methods. Additionally, a controllable electrical disconnect switch 124 may connect or disconnect the DER device 116 from the grid 108 based on the power production or consumption requirements of the grid 108 and the DER device 116. Additionally, the disconnect switch 124 may be used to electrically disconnect the DER device 116 from the DER meter 102 so that a technician can repair the DER meter 102, install the DER meter 102, or replace the DER meter 102.

[0025] In one example, the DER disconnect switch (i.e., the controllable electrical disconnect switch 124) and the line disconnect switch (i.e., the disconnect switch 122) may be implemented with a four-position switch. The four-position switch may allow for the following: 1. The connection of the grid 108, DER devices 116, and electric services (loads) 110; 2. Connecting the grid 108 and electric service 110 with the DER device 116 disconnected; 3. Connecting electric service 110 and DER devices 116 with the grid 108 disconnected; 4. Disconnection of the grid 108, DER devices 116, and electric service 110. Advantages of using a four-position switch instead of two two-position switches include reducing the cost and size of the components required to provide the switching function.

[0026] The DER meter 102 may measure and control power delivered to the electric service 110 via the grid 108, the DER device 116, or both. The DER meter 102 may include a communications module (not shown) and a processor (not shown). The processor may be a microprocessor, although embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to such embodiments. For example, the processor may be a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a computer, a microcontroller, a programmable controller, or other programmable device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] The communications module may communicate via RF, cellular, PLC, or any other suitable communications technology. The communications module may receive communications over the network, including instructions for controlling the controllable electrical disconnect switch. The communications module may transmit information related to the operation of the meter and measurements performed by the measurement device in the meter to other devices or a central system on the network. The communications module may also provide communications between the DER meter 102 and the DER device 116.

[0028] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, if the DER device 116 includes some form of generator (e.g., solar or wind) or storage device, the meter can use information about the distribution system. The information may include real-time electricity prices or other information to make decisions and control the DER device 116. For example, the DER meter 102 uses the information to determine whether the DER device 116 should send energy (e.g., from solar or battery storage, where battery storage may include batteries in an electric vehicle or the like) to the grid 108, whether the DER device 116 should consume energy from the grid 108 (e.g., to charge storage or allow large loads such as water heaters, pool pumps, etc. to operate), whether the DER device 116 should disconnect from the grid 108 (e.g., not consume energy from the grid 108 or not send energy to the grid 108), or any combination thereof. An appropriate control action may be initiated by the DER meter 102 based on the determination. Those skilled in the art or of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above examples of decision and control actions are not exhaustive and that other decision and control actions may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example of a 15-terminal meter socket 200 according to various aspects of the disclosure. The illustrated meter socket 200 is a 16S meter socket. The meter socket 104 as depicted in FIG. 1 may be a 15-terminal meter socket 200. In an embodiment, the 15-terminal meter socket 200 may be arranged to accommodate multiple meter forms. For example, terminals 202 and 204 may be lines for L1 (line) and L2 (line) as described in FIG. 1 and are electrically coupled to the grid 108. Terminals 206 and 208 may be lines for L1 (load) and L2 (load) as described in FIG. 1 and are electrically coupled to the electric service 110. Terminals 210 and 212 may be lines for L1 (DER) and L2 (DER) as described in FIG. 1 and are electrically coupled to the DER device 116. In an embodiment, terminal 214 may be electrically coupled to the neutral wire N as described in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram 300 of terminals 202-214 of a 15-terminal meter socket 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Diagram 300 depicts how the terminals 202-214 of a meter socket 200 (e.g., a 16S meter socket) may be electrically coupled to the line (i.e., grid 108), the load (i.e., electric service 110), the neutral wiring N, and, once installed, the DER device 116. FIG. 4 is a diagram 400 of possible alternative configurations for the neutral terminal 214 of the meter socket 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 of possible alternative configurations for the neutral terminal 214 of the meter socket 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 of possible alternative configurations for the neutral terminal 214 of the meter socket 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Other arrangements are possible, including arrangements that vary which terminals 202-214 are used for the line, load, neutral wiring N, and DER device 116. By providing alternative arrangements for the neutral wiring N in the meter socket 200 of Figures 3-6, and the multiport meters 1702 and 1802 of Figures 17 and 18 below, the meter socket 200 may be compatible with metering devices having incompatible arrangements of connection blades. That is, a metering device such as the multiport meters 1702 and 1802 of Figures 17 and 18 would need to be properly keyed to one of the meter sockets 200 of Figures 3-6.

[0031] FIG. 7 is an example of a meter socket 200 including an optional DER connector 702 on the side 120 of the meter socket 200 according to various aspects of the disclosure. The DER connector 702 may be added to the meter socket 200 to facilitate quick and efficient connection of the DER device 116. The DER connector 702 may be integrated into the meter socket 200 or may be an optional additional component. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of how the DER connector 702 may be connected to the DER terminals 710, 712 and neutral terminal 714 of the meter socket 200. Note that the DER connector 702 is not required. If not used, the DER device 116 may be directly connected to the terminals 710-714. The term DER socket is used herein to refer to a meter socket 200 configured for use with a DER device 116. The meter socket 200 of FIG. 7 is an example of a DER socket.

[0032] When a DER socket is installed but a DER device 116 is not yet connected, a standard meter, such as a 2S meter, may be used with the DER socket. In another example, a standard meter with a neutral connection, such as a 12S meter, may also be used with the DER socket. The DER socket does not require the connection of a DER device 116 or a DER meter 102. FIG. 8 is an example of a standard 2S meter 802 including four blades 804, 806, 808, and 810 that may be installed in a meter socket 200 having a DER connector 702 according to various aspects of the disclosure. A 12S meter (not shown) may also be installed with a similar arrangement of blades and an additional neutral blade. Two of the blades 804 and 806 are connected to the two line terminals 202 and 204, and two of the blades 808 and 810 are connected to the two load terminals 206 and 208 of the meter socket 200. Once the 2S meter 802 is installed, the meter 802 connects the premises to the grid 108 using the line and load conductors of the meter socket 200. Even if the DER device 116 is not connected to the meter socket 200, the meter socket 200 includes connections that facilitate subsequent installation of the DER device 116.

[0033] To install the DER device 116 on a premises with existing service, the electrical contractor connects the DER device 116 to the DER connector 702, and the utility replaces the 2S meter 802 with the DER meter 102. The DER meter 102 is also referred to herein as a multi-port meter. The DER connector 702 and meter socket 200 allow these steps to occur independently. The electrical contractor and the utility do not need to coordinate in such an instance. The electrical contractor can connect the DER device 116 to the DER connector before or after the utility replaces the 2S meter 802.

[0034] 9 is an example of a DER meter 102 installed in a DER-enabled meter socket 200 according to various aspects of the disclosure. The DER meter 102 connects to the DER device 116 via the DER connector 702 through terminals 710 and 712 of the meter socket 200 using additional blades 902 and 904.

[0035] 10 is an example of a side view of a DER meter 102 according to various aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the DER meter 102 includes a symmetrical design with an L1 conductor on a left side 1002 and an L2 conductor on a right side 1004. The DER meter 102 may support billable grade metering on the line, load, and DER ports, providing bidirectional metering points at each of the three ports. As used herein, the term billable grade metering may refer to a metering system that can perform metering operations to provide measurements of the amount of energy provided by the DER device 116 to the premises or grid 108, as well as the time the energy is provided.

[0036] 11 is an example of a perspective view of a DER meter 102 according to various aspects of the disclosure. Load current transformers 1102 and 1104, line current transformers 1106 and 1108, and DER current transformers 1110 and 1112 are depicted on the DER meter 102. Load current transformer 1102, line current transformer 1106, and DER current transformer 1110 are each located on the left side 1002 of the DER meter 102, which is associated with the L1 conductor. Additionally, load current transformer 1104, line current transformer 1108, and DER current transformer 1112 are each located on the right side 1004 of the DER meter 102, which is associated with the L1 conductor.

[0037] 12 is an example side view of an additional DER meter 102 according to various aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the DER meter 102 includes a symmetrical design with an L1 conductor on the left side 1202 and an L2 conductor on the right side 1204. The DER meter 102 may support billable grade metering on the line, load, and DER ports, providing bidirectional metering points on each of the three ports.

[0038] 13 is an example of a perspective view of DER meter 102 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. Load current transformers 1302 and 1304, line current transformers 1306 and 1308, and DER current transformers 1310 and 1312 are depicted on DER meter 102. Load current transformer 1302, line current transformer 1306, and DER current transformer 1310 are each located on left side 1202 of DER meter 102, which is associated with the L1 conductor. Additionally, load current transformer 1304, line current transformer 1308, and DER current transformer 1312 are each located on right side 1204 of DER meter 102, which is associated with the L1 conductor.

[0039] 14 is a block diagram 1400 illustrating electrical connections between a DER meter 1402 and a meter socket 1404, according to various aspects of the disclosure. The DER meter 1402 includes a DER disconnect switch 1406 on the DER meter's 1402 interface 1408 with a DER blade (e.g., a DER port). Because the DER disconnect switch 1406 is included in the DER meter 1402, a head-end system (not shown) can control the DER disconnect switch 1406 by communicating with the DER meter 1402. This allows the head-end system to control the connection of the DER device 116 without communicating with an external switch 1410. Exemplary commands for controlling the connection of the DER device 116 include, if the DER device 116 is an electric vehicle (EV) or EV charger, one or more commands to open the DER disconnect switch 1406 to prevent charging of the EV or EV charger, such as preventing charging during high demand hours or high price periods, if the DER device 116 is a solar power plant or other energy generating device, one or more commands may be sent to the DER meter 1402 to open the DER disconnect switch 1406 if the connection of the DER device 116 is causing a power quality issue, etc. In some systems, the DER meter 1402 may communicate with the DER device 116. For example, the DER meter 1402 may communicate with the EV charger to control the charging current.

[0040] The block diagram 1400 illustrates one example circuit diagram of a DER meter 1402 connected to a DER socket 1404. The DER device 116 is connected to a DER connector 1412 on the DER socket 1404. The DER meter 1402 includes a DER disconnect switch 1406 and a line disconnect switch 1414. The block diagram 1400 also illustrates the DER meter 1402 with two current transformers 1416 for each of the line, load, and DER port. Other meter designs are possible, including those that use a single current transformer 1416 to measure the currents of L1 and L2 for any combination of ports (e.g., line, load, and DER port). Additionally, in the block diagram 1400, the circuit breaker 1418 is located at the DER connector 1412 as opposed to within the DER meter 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. Also, instead of using the DER connector 1412 on the DER socket 1404, the DER device 116 may be connected to a terminal block (not shown) that is wired to a portion of the DER meter.

[0041] In an embodiment, the DER meter 102 or 1402 may include alternative or additional components to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 14 , such as a processing module and a communication module. FIG. 15 is a block diagram 1500 including a communication channel 1504 between a DER meter 1502 and a DER device 116, according to various aspects of the disclosure. The communication channel 1504 between the DER meter 1502 and the DER device 116 may use any type of communication protocol, including proprietary or non-proprietary protocols. Exemplary protocols include WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet protocols. The DER meter 1502 may communicate with the DER device 116 to coordinate operation, such as coordinating control of a DER disconnect switch 1506 and a line disconnect switch 1508 (or a four-position switch as described above with respect to FIG. 1 ) in the DER meter 1502 with control of the operation of the DER device 116.

[0042] As an example, if there is a power outage on the grid, the disconnect switches 1506 and 1508 may be controlled to allow islanding. In other words, the disconnect switches 1506 and 1508 may be controlled to allow the DER device 116 to supply power to the premises while the premises are disconnected from the grid 108. Islanding and subsequent reconnection to the grid may depend on coordinated control of the switches 1506 and 1508. For example, the connection to the grid 108 at the disconnect switch 1508 may remain open until the grid 108 is safe to reconnect. Phase adjustment between the DER device 116 and the grid 108 may be required before reconnecting to the grid 108 or before the DER device 116 connects to the grid 108 after being disabled. Other types of communications between the DER meter 1502 and the DER device 116 include, but are not limited to, communications regarding the charge rate of the EV or battery, communications to enable the EV (or other type of DER device) to discharge to the grid, communications regarding power parameters such as power factor and power quality, and communications to update or modify the power factor or other parameters of the DER device 116.

[0043] 16 is a block diagram 1600 illustrating electrical connections between a DER meter 1602 and a meter socket 1604, according to various aspects of the disclosure. The DER meter 1602 includes a DER disconnect switch 1606 on the DER meter's 1602 interface 1608 with a DER blade (e.g., a DER port). Because the DER disconnect switch 1606 is included in the DER meter 1602, a head-end system (not shown) can control the DER disconnect switch 1606 by communicating with the DER meter 1602. This allows the head-end system to control the connection of the DER device 116 without communicating with an external switch 1610.

[0044] The block diagram 1600 illustrates one example circuit diagram of a DER meter 1602 connected to a DER socket 1604. The DER device 116 is connected to a DER connector 1612 on the DER socket 1604. The DER meter 1602 includes a circuit breaker 1618 in addition to the DER disconnect switch 1606. The circuit breaker 1618 may disconnect the DER device 116 from the DER meter 102 in the event of an electrical fault. The circuit breaker 1618 may be integrated into the DER meter 102. Additionally, the circuit breaker 1618 may be controlled locally or remotely. In some examples, the DER disconnect switch 1606 may be used as a circuit breaker in place of the circuit breaker 1618.

[0045] The block diagram 1600 also illustrates a DER meter 1602 with two current transformers 1620 at each of the line and DER ports. Without the current transformers 1620 at the load ports of the DER meter 1602, the load currents may be calculated separately for each phase by taking the algebraic sum of the line current and the DER device current for each sample. Other meter designs are possible, including those that use a single current transformer 1620 to measure the L1 and L2 currents for any combination of ports (e.g., line, load, and DER ports).

[0046] FIG. 17 is a diagram 1700 of blades 1704-1718 of a multiport meter 1702 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. The blades 1704-1718 may be arranged in a manner to accommodate the placement of a particular DER socket 104. In one example, the blades 1714 and 1716 may connect to a neutral wire N, and the blades 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710, 1712, and 1718 may each connect to a line associated with the grid 108, the DER device 116, or one of the electric services 110. Similarly, FIG. 18 is a diagram 1800 of blades 1804-1818 of a multiport meter 1802 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. The blades 1804-1818 may be arranged in a manner to accommodate the placement of a particular DER socket 104. In one example, blades 1812 and 1818 may connect to a neutral wiring N, and blades 1804, 1806, 1808, 1810, 1814, and 1816 may each connect to a line associated with the grid 108, the DER device 116, or one of the electric services 110.

[0047] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to certain embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon gaining the foregoing understanding, may readily make modifications, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments. It will therefore be understood that the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and is not intended to exclude the inclusion of modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: An electric meter, an electric meter socket configured to mate with the electric meter, the electric meter socket comprising: at least one first connection path in the electric meter socket configured to form a first electrical connection between the electric meter and line voltage wiring of an electrical distribution system; at least one second connection path in the electric meter socket configured to form a second electrical connection between the electric meter and the power distribution system, a distributed energy resource (DER) device, and a neutral wiring of a load; at least one third connection path in the electricity meter socket configured to form a third electrical connection between the electricity meter and an output voltage wiring of the DER device; a DER connector disposed on a side of the electric meter socket, the DER connector configured to receive an output voltage wiring of the DER device and to electrically couple the output voltage wiring to at least one third connection path; an electric meter socket, a controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to connect and disconnect the DER device from the electrical distribution system based on power production or consumption requirements of the electrical distribution system and the DER device; the electricity meter comprises a plurality of voltage measuring devices and a plurality of current measuring devices configured to measure electrical characteristics of voltage and current waveforms supplied to the load, the neutral wiring providing a reference point for measurements of the voltage waveforms; system.

2. the plurality of voltage measurement devices include a plurality of voltage transducers; each of the plurality of voltage transducers configured to individually measure a voltage characteristic of one of a plurality of line voltages provided by the electrical power distribution system or an output voltage provided by the DER device; each of the plurality of line voltages provided by the electrical distribution system having a different electrical phase; and the voltage characteristic measurement is taken between a line voltage wiring of the electrical power distribution system and the neutral wiring; The system of claim 1 .

3. the plurality of current measuring devices includes a plurality of current transducers; each of the plurality of current transducers configured to individually measure a current provided by a line voltage wiring of the electrical power distribution system or the output voltage wiring of the DER device; 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The controllable electrical disconnect switch comprises: a first location electrically connecting the electrical distribution system, the DER device, and the load; a second position electrically connecting the load to the electrical distribution system while the DER device is disconnected; and a third position electrically connecting the load and the DER device while the power distribution system is disconnected; a fourth position for disconnecting the power distribution system, the DER device, and the load; and Includes 4-position switch The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

5. 1. A system for connecting and metering distributed energy resource (DER) devices, the system including: an electric meter; The electricity meter comprises: at least one controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to connect and disconnect the DER device from the electrical distribution system based on electrical power production or consumption requirements of the electrical distribution system and the DER device; an electricity meter socket configured to electrically couple to the electricity meter; Including, The electric meter socket comprises: at least one first connection path in the electric meter socket configured to form a first electrical connection between the electric meter and line voltage wiring of the electrical distribution system; at least one second connection path in the electric meter socket configured to form a second electrical connection between the electric meter and the electrical distribution system, the DER device, and a neutral wiring of a load; at least one third connection path in the electricity meter socket configured to form a third electrical connection between the electricity meter and an output voltage wiring of the DER device; at least one fourth connection path in the electric meter socket configured to form a fourth electrical connection between the electric meter and the load; the electricity meter comprises a plurality of voltage measuring devices and a plurality of current measuring devices configured to measure electrical characteristics of voltage and current waveforms supplied to the load, the neutral wiring providing a reference point for measurements of the voltage waveforms; system.

6. The at least one controllable electrical disconnect switch comprises: a first location electrically connecting the electrical distribution system, the DER device, and the load; a second position electrically connecting the load to the electrical distribution system while the DER device is disconnected; and a third position electrically connecting the load and the DER device while the power distribution system is disconnected; a fourth position for disconnecting the power distribution system, the DER device, and the load; and Includes 4-position switch The system of claim 5 .

7. the at least one first connection path comprises a first plurality of connection paths, each of the first plurality of connection paths corresponding to an additional line voltage wiring of the power distribution system having a voltage with a different electrical phase; 7. A system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The electricity meter socket further comprises: a second controllable electrical disconnect switch configured to connect and disconnect the DER device from the electrical distribution system based on the electrical power production or consumption requirements of the electrical distribution system and the DER device. The system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising:

9. The electricity meter socket further comprises: a DER connector disposed on a side of the electric meter socket, the DER connector configured to receive the output voltage wiring of the DER device and to electrically couple the output voltage wiring to the at least one third connection path; The system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising:

10. The electricity meter further comprises: a circuit breaker configured to disconnect the DER device from the electrical distribution system in the event of an electrical fault. The system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising:

11. The electricity meter further comprises: a plurality of connectors configured to form electrical connections to a first plurality of mating connectors configured to interface with the electric meter socket, at least one electrical connection to the first plurality of mating connectors configured to connect with at least one second connection path formed with the neutral wiring; a plurality of measurement devices configured to measure electrical characteristics of voltage and current waveforms provided to the electric meter from the electrical distribution system and the DER device, the neutral wire providing an electrical reference point for measurements of the voltage waveforms; The system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising:

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of measurement devices includes a measurement device configured to measure electrical characteristics of voltage and current waveforms supplied to the load.

13. The plurality of measurement devices comprises a plurality of current transducers configured to measure (i) a current consumed by the load on each of the line voltage wirings connected to the load, and (ii) a current provided by the line voltage wirings of the power distribution system and the output voltage wirings of the DER device; configured to measure separately, 13. A system according to claim 11 or 12.

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